TEMECULA: Campaign finance ordinance on tap

Temecula Councilman Jeff Comerchero seeks stricter reporting

TEMECULA -- While the city election is seven months away,
current council members are already eyeing stricter requirements
for political action committees that contribute money to candidates
in local contests.

At the Tuesday meeting, council members will consider a proposal
that would require all such committees to file campaign disclosure
paperwork with the city -- even if they're based outside the
county. Currently, those committees only have to file the paperwork
with the state.

Councilman Jeff Comerchero requested the city look into such an
ordinance at the last council meeting.

"I don't see this as an issue that affects anyone in a negative
way," Comerchero said. "It only provides transparency on election
finances. I don't see any reason why we wouldn't support this."

While there are already state laws in place that require the
financial disclosure of political committees, he said that
information can be difficult to access.

Comerchero requested that the city manager and attorney "spend
some time and do a little research" on the proposal. Just two weeks
later, the eight-page ordinance will be introduced during the 7
p.m. meeting Tuesday at City Hall, 43200 Business Park Drive.

"I don't know if we need this now more than any other time," the
councilman said. "Council races are becoming more and more
competitive. There are people who are funnelling more and more
money into campaigns. That's fine, but the public has the right to
know where the money is coming from."

In the Nov. 4 election, two council seats will be up for grabs
as the terms of Mayor Mike Naggar and Councilman Chuck Washington
are set to expire. Candidates interested in the contest will be
able to file with the Temecula city clerk from July 14 to Aug.
8.

Under the proposed ordinance, committees contributing to a
Temecula candidate or ballot measure must file their state campaign
disclosure statements with the city clerk at the same time they
file with the secretary of state's office. In addition, copies of
printed campaign materials that will be sent to 100 or more voters
must be filed with the city.

While candidates and committees in local races must abide by the
state filing deadlines for finance reporting periods, the Temecula
proposal would require that all expenditures of more than $5 made
within eight days of the election be submitted to the city clerk's
office within 24 hours of receipt.

There are no limits, however, on how much money can be
contributed to a candidate or committee.

Officials say that even though state laws are in place, cities
are free to come up with more stringent rules related to campaign
finance disclosure.

"Local municipalities can create ordinances that provide
stricter requirements than what is outlined by the Political Reform
Act," said Roman Porter, communication director for the Fair
Political Practices Commission.

The commission was created to educate the public and public
officials on the requirements of the Political Reform Act of 1974,
a ballot initiative passed by California voters.

Elected city officeholders, candidates for city offices and
committees that support or oppose candidates and ballot measures in
a single city file an original and one copy of California Form 460
with the city clerk, according to state statute.